July 14, 2010

Porn Actress Wants Real Name Kept Secret in Obscenity Trial

Her name is Lorelei Lee, and she’s a porn actress.

Lorelei Lee, of course, is a stage name. Just like Traci Lords and Kayla Kleevage. Lee starred in one of the films—“Jay Sin’s Milk Nymphos”—that is the centerpiece of the government’s prosecution of adult film producer John Stagliano.

Stagliano’s lawyers want to call Lee as a defense witness in federal district court in Washington, but there’s a problem: Lee doesn’t want to provide her real name.

Lee’s lawyer, Carmen Hernandez, a solo practitioner in Maryland, filed court papers today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia asking for a protective order to allow her to testify using her stage name. Click here for the papers.

Hernandez said Lee needs protection, but the attorney didn’t disclose in court documents the basis for the request other than saying that confidentiality will protect Lee from “explicit threats of danger.” The attorney said more information would be provided in a closed door hearing in the chambers of Judge Richard Leon. Hernandez was not immediately reached for comment.

In court papers, Hernandez argues that a trial judge has the authority to allow a witness to testify under a pseudonym as long as opposing counsel has enough information to allow effective cross examination. The government, according to Hernandez, has already been provided Lee’s real name.

“Permitting the witness to testify under her professional stage name will not interfere with the government’s ability to cross examine the witness or to impeach [her],” Hernandez said. “Rather, the use of a pseudonym merely shields the identity of a witness from the press and the public.”

Prosecutors are opposed to Lee’s request, according to Hernandez. But the government did not immediately file a response. Leon did not rule by this afternoon. Stagliano’s trial, which began Tuesday with opening statements, continues Thursday.